"This is well-deserved, Mr. Li," the newspaper stand owner rubbed his hands together, smiling. "Your technology benefits the people. In just a few years, the face of Piltover will be transformed because of you."
Li Lin ignored him, carefully scrutinizing the reports about himself in the newspaper. He discovered that his main source of wealth was the energy crystal, followed by generators and mechanical watches.
However, what surprised him was that the profits from the sockets and plugs he invented far surpassed those from bicycles.
The current Ferros family had changed its strategy and entered into a comprehensive cooperation with the Kiramman family.
Previously, electricity generation required Hextech crystals or Hextech cubic batteries, which were too expensive for ordinary families.
But in many cutting-edge Hextech technology fields, Hextech crystals were still essential.
Nowadays, ordinary crystals had been upgraded to energy crystals, and the Ferros family had completely abandoned the ordinary market, increasing their prices several times over and specializing in top-tier areas.
As for the middle and lower classes, they had developed basic electricity comprehensively, even expanding their operations to Zaun, earning even more than before.
Led by the Kiramman and Ferros families, the third thermal power plant in Piltover had been built, and an agreement had been reached with the Medarda family to renovate the interior of the Sun Gates, adding hydroelectric generators.
With the popularization of electricity, various related products naturally emerged.
There were even some who invented rudimentary electric bicycles...
However, the Kiramman family intended to unify the electrical connection devices, requiring Li Lin to pay a patent fee for most electrical facilities before their invention and mass production.
"It's becoming more modern indeed..." Li Lin exclaimed sincerely.
Then, he composed himself and turned his attention back to the shop owner. "Can I buy these newspapers from you? How much for all of them?"
As he spoke, Li Lin prepared to control the morning light floating in the sky to air-drop a bag of money for himself.
"No, no, no... No need to pay. Consider it a gift from me!" the shop owner said hastily.
Li Lin noticed the hesitant expression on the shop owner's face, sensing that there was something he wanted to say but was hesitant to. "Just tell me if there are any conditions, as long as it's within my capabilities."
"Hehe..." The shop owner scratched his head and quickly pulled out a book titled "Principles of Mechanics" and a feather pen from his drawer, placing them on the table and pushing them towards Li Lin.
"This is a book my mother gave me when I was a child. She hoped I would become a great craftsman, but unfortunately, I didn't have the talent and ended up as a merchant."
"If you don't mind, I'd like you to sign it for me... I may not have the talent of a master craftsman, but having your signature would make me very satisfied."
Li Lin noticed the flickering gaze of the shop owner and realized that his intentions might not be as pure as they seemed on the surface.
Merchants are profit-driven, and he might sell this book, now signed by Li Lin, at a high price.
But it didn't matter to him; it didn't affect him in any way.
Li Lin shook his head, opened his Data Mind, and casually flipped through the book to ensure it was fine before signing his name.
"Thank you so much!" The newspaper stand owner's face turned red with excitement as he bowed to Li Lin in gratitude.
Li Lin waved his hand casually, picked up a stack of newspapers from the table, and gestured for Kai'Sa to follow him as they left.
They walked in silence.
Li Lin lowered his head to study the changes in Piltover mentioned in the newspapers over the past few months.
Kai'Sa was obedient, knowing that he was lost in thought, and silently followed him without disturbing him, taking in everything about this city of progress.
When they reached the Piltover Viaduct Bridge, Li Lin put down the newspapers after paying the toll with two copper rings.
In addition to the news from Piltover, there were also significant movements in Noxus and Demacia recently.
Swain had announced the Proclamation of the Trifarix, abolishing the imperial system that had lasted for hundreds of years in Noxus and declaring the establishment of a separation of powers with the Trifarix Council.
Currently, Noxus was unstable internally, with many previously conquered city-states declaring independence and not recognizing the new Noxian Grand General, Swain.
The foremost among them were the city-states of Locklonde and Kursala, facing the sea to the west, opposite Piltover.
They killed the newly appointed Noxian steward sent by Noxus to prove their absolute "loyalty" to Emperor Boram Darkwill.
Meanwhile, there were rumors of a dragon attack on the outpost of Gate of Mourning in the southeastern part of Demacia's Argent Mountains, prompting Prince Jarvan IV of Demacia to lead his personal guard to investigate.
Although it was true that the dragon mother of Shyvana had been wreaking havoc on the border regions of Demacia, Li Lin knew that this was actually a plot concocted by Noxus.
One day in the future, Jarvan IV would be surrounded by Noxian forces attacking the Gate of Mourning.
Due to insufficient military strength and manpower, he would nearly be killed at this outpost.
Demacia prohibited all official trade, especially the Forbidden Stones, which were their closely guarded treasures.
If one wished to gain the friendship of the Demacian royal family, rescuing Jarvan IV and obtaining Forbidden Stone materials might be much easier.
Li Lin pondered silently. Unconsciously, he had already brought Kai'Sa back to the iron gate outside the Kiramman mansion.
The maids recognized him in his armor and immediately opened the gate to the courtyard.
Although curious about the beautiful girl accompanying Li Lin, out of professional courtesy, none of the servants dared to inquire.
The steward informed Li Lin that the Kiramman couple was not at home at the moment.
Caitlyn had many cases to handle recently and was spending every day in her detective agency or running around to find clues, leaving little time at home.
Li Lin specifically instructed the steward not to inform Caitlyn of his return.
He planned to freshen up and change clothes first, giving her a surprise.
Before returning to his room, Li Lin had a room arranged for Kai'Sa on the same floor, not far from his own.
As they entered the room together, Kai'Sa couldn't help but widen her eyes, a look of astonishment appearing on her face.
She looked up at Li Lin uncertainly. "Is this... my room?"
"Of course, don't you like it?"
"No... I'm just... very surprised." Kai'Sa took a deep breath. "It's much bigger than the main house of my family used to be, not including the courtyard."
"This will be your new home for now." Li Lin gently ruffled her hair. "When I bring your father here later, I'll arrange a new residence for both of you."
Hearing him say this, Kai'Sa was momentarily lost in thought. "A new home...?"
"Don't worry, the Kiramman couple are usually very gentle, not to mention the butler and servants."
"My room is not far from yours, so if you have any problems, you can always find me."
Li Lin smiled. "Oh, by the way, why don't you take a shower first? Then I'll introduce you to Cait."
(End of this chapter)
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